Delap is the preferred striker target this summer but it will be hard to pull off his signature.Delap is the preferred striker target this summer but it will be hard to pull off his signature.
Delap is the preferred striker target this summer but it will be hard to pull off his signature. | Getty Images
Man United are battling with Chelsea to sign Liam Delap, who has a £30m release clause at Ipswich.
The Red Devils are hoping to sign Liam Delap to add to their attack this summer as they look for a striker who can likely replace Rasmus Hojlund, after the Danish international had a poor season.
As things stand, Delap looks more likely to move to Chelsea seeing as they can offer the lure of Champions League football next season, something that Ruben Amorim can’t offer to the 22-year-old.
Man United get Delap boost as Chelsea target £84m striker
However, despite the fact that Chelsea are the front-runners to sign Delap, they may opt against signing him as they have reportedly began talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
According to Florian Plettenberg on X, Chelsea and Liverpool are battling to sign Ekitike, meaning that the Blues could accelerate their attempts to land the Frenchman. Plettenberg said: “Chelsea are currently in concrete talks over him. Understand CFC would like to complete the deal as quickly as possible, as they’re aware of Liverpool’s interest.
“Chelsea are currently putting in the most effort. LFC are also in the race. However, departures – such as Nunez or Jota – are needed.”
Frankfurt are reportedly demanding £84m for Ekitike, who has also been linked to Arsenal. If Chelsea were to pay the hefty fee to sign the French striker, it would be unlikely that they fork out an extra £30m to then add Delap.
So, the Blues’ pursuit of Ekitike could allow Delap to fall into United’s hands, however, it is not yet clear whether the 22-year-old would join at Old Trafford due to the lack of Champions League football.
Man United may be left to sign Osimhen
In a hypothetical world where Chelsea sign Ekitike and Delap moves to Newcastle in the summer, United may have no choice but to go after Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who has a £63m release clause in his contract.
Furthermore, with Napoli’s reported interest in Alejandro Garnacho, United could work a deal with the Italian club which would see the Argentine winger move to Naples and Osimhen coming to Old Trafford in order to solve their striker transfer dilemma.
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